BFPD FY26 GFOA Budget - Flipbook - Page 8
| BUDGET MESSAGE
Revenues
Property Tax — This is our single largest source of revenue. In 2025, the Trustees will be asked
to approve a 4.99% levy over the prior year's extension to provide for the District's continued
growth. Under PTELL, the tax cap will adjust the levy based on a consumer price index (CPI) of
2.9% (plus any new growth). We estimate this year's extension to be approximately 3.4% above
the prior year and conservatively budget collections at 2.7%, which should help us address
inflationary pressures and long-term liabilities.
After several years of elevated inflation and a higher CPI — which produced larger extensions
and increased revenues — the District was able to keep pace with rising costs and build reserve
balances. Beginning in 2026, inflation and CPI have moderated and new revenue growth is
expected to be lower than in recent years; accordingly, staff will continue to be fiscally
responsible and adjust where necessary.
Ambulance Fees – For several years, the District has participated in programs that increase
Medicaid reimbursements for transports and follows the Ground Emergency Medical Transport
(GEMT) model when setting ambulance rates. These federal and state reimbursements have
contributed to steady revenue growth; taking a conservative approach, the 2026 budget projects
ambulance receipts of $2,780,250 — a 13.5% increase over 2025. Additionally, a new Illinois
law (HB2336), effective January 1, 2026, authorizes municipalities and fire protection districts to
impose reasonable lift-assist fees including provisions allowing fee assessments to congregate
care facilities after a specified number of calls — which may provide a modest additional EMS
revenue stream depending on the District’s ordinance.
Fire Recovery – This continues to be a stable source with limited growth. State Statute only
allows the District to charge non-residents for certain services. Most of the revenue in this
category comes from non-resident vehicle accidents or hazardous materials spills.
Grants – The District has received over $1.5 million in grants over the last few years. Several
successful grants include Intergovernmental Risk Management (IRMA), Assistance to
Firefighters (AFG), Office of the State Fire Marshal (OFSM), and DuPage County. Staff
continues to make this a focus for 2026.
Interest Income – In 2023, staff negotiated interest rates with Fifth Third Bank. The negotiations
increased the rate from 0.55% to 4.75%. However, the District has seen the rate drop and is
expected to receive $70,000 in FY26, consistent with the budgeted total in 2025.
Misc. – Other small revenue sources include builders’ fees, inspections, pre-plan reviews, and
Knox boxes, all of which generally remain under $100,000. In 2026, The District should
continue to see an increase in builders’ fees due to the development of the Grass Lands
subdivision at W. Bartlett Rd and Route 59.
Reserves
A multi-year view is necessary when considering the existence of reserves and the year-to-year
surpluses or deficits that create or deplete them. A surplus or deficit is a timing difference
P a g e 8 | BARTLETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT | BUDGET MESSAGE
